Sunderland 1 Portsmouth 0: Neil Allen’s verdict: Positivity in defeat as a potential new Blues hero is born
Pompey thought they had solved their centre-half problems, but a red card from the Stadium of Light caused them to
suffer yet another setback.
However, they might take comfort in the possibility that they have finally found a solution to one of their most
troublesome positions this term in Rob Atkinson.
Atkinson’s arrival on Friday gave John Mousinho unquestionable quality and vital Championship experience at a
position plagued by injury and bad luck this season.
A timely recruit considering he was called off the bench in the 67th minute at Sunderland following Marlon Pack’s
indiscretion at 1-0 down.
Pack, on the occasion of his 100th Pompey outing, made a mistake as last man while high up the pitch, prompting
him to haul down Eliezer Mayenda to prevent him racing down on goal. He was rightly dismissed.
The pair will need to be matched at least once more, with Pack now facing a one-match ban, Tom McIntyre out of the
frame presently, and Conor Shaughnessy and Regan Poole still not yet back from injury.
In any case, Atkinson fit right in with the defence and kept the 10-man team from losing to the team vying for
promotion, which is commendable.
In addition to one outstanding block and a number of towering clearing headers, the former Eastleigh player had a
great challenge on Eliezer Mayenda late in the game as the attacker confronted him inside the box.
After the visitors lost possession of the ball following a throw-in level with the opposition’s penalty area, Wilson
Isidor’s goal put Pompey ahead seven minutes later.
However, in contrast to their previous away games this season, John Mousinho’s team showed a refreshing tenacity
and resolve to make sure they didn’t give up.
In fact, the Black Cats supporters were more anxious at the end since the 10-men had a few brief opportunities that
the hosts were unable to take advantage of.
However, Pompey may take heart from a performance in a game they never really tested, even if they suffer another
loss away from home. Despite this, Anthony Patterson displayed the necessary passion and tenacity.
The head coach of the Blues had remained with the same squad that defeated Swansea 4-0 on New Year’s Day.
In spite of Atkinson’s arrival only 48 hours prior, Ryley Towler and Marlon Pack continued to be the center-half duo.
Rather, the only alteration to the 20-man roster was Atkinson, who predictably took Sammy Silvera’s position
among the substitutes.
A new loan slot will become available when Silvera’s season-long loan is terminated halfway through, allowing him
to return to Middlesbrough.
Jacob Farrell, Regan Poole, Conor Shaughnessy, Mark O’Mahony, and Kusini Yengi are yet to return from injury.
Lane and Swanson were replaced right away by Atkinson and Terry Devlin, with Atkinson assigned to the right
center-half position.
Immediately in front of Schmid, the loanee threw himself into Mayenda’s goal-bound attempt for a vital block.
Despite their best efforts, Sunderland was unable to overcome the 10-man in a triumph that their supporters
applauded. The Pompey supporters can also take some positives out from the loss.
Read more news on https://sportupdates.co.uk/
Leave a Reply